Cult film and ‘80s fan favorite NIGHT OF THE DEMONS is celebrating its 30th birthday at Hollywood Horrorfest Saturday, July 28 with the colorful fundraising event benefiting the Vincent Price Art Museum in East Los Angeles.
Director Kevin Tenney and his film’s cast and crew, including Philip Tanzini, Cathy Podewell, Kevin Kutchaver, Kathy Zielinski, Steve Johnson, Lance Fenton, Billy Gallo, and Hal Havins (more names TBA) will join Tenney for a post-screening Q&A, photo ops aplenty and 80s after-party for all.
“Kevin Tenney has been amazing in putting the cast together for this charity event, and we’ve had so many people donate both prizes and their services for free. Everyone’s doing it for the love. Shows you how much respect Kevin and the film have amongst fans and people in the industry,” says Festival Director Miles Flanagan.
NIGHT OF THE DEMONS’ 1988 release – grossing over $3 million against its $1 million budget – spawned two sequels and a remake. But did anyone know at the time how successful this little indie was going to be?
“Honestly, if you’d asked any one of the cast or crew members on the set of NIGHT OF THE DEMONS thirty-something years ago, not one of us would’ve predicted our little low-budget film would become a holiday perennial, and still be screening for hardcore fans in sold-out venues today. We all just did our best and hoped it would find an appreciative audience. Mission accomplished, I guess…” said Tenney.
The film’s soundtrack – by Kevin’s brother, Dennis Michael Tenney – has also generated a life of its own; it was recently released by Lunaris Records for the first time ever on vinyl, and the festival will be raffling off copies on the night, courtesy of the label.
“This is so far the craziest NOTD reunion screening event ever put on, and the only 30th Anniversary Reunion. NOTD is the ultimate ‘80s horror party film. That’s why we’ve made this more than just a reunion Q&A, but a full-on party experience.”
Keeping the ‘80s party vibe going will be a very special appearance from MTV Video Vixen Macha Bennet-Shephard (formerly Annie Hubbard), the infamous ‘Sister Christian’ from the iconic Night Ranger video in her very first event appearance, who is in fact a big fan of the film. Music throughout the night will be provided by another NOTD fan, DJ HiJinXX – flying in from Europe just for the event – spinning the best in ‘80s rock & pop.
“Plus we’re screening it in the perfect venue,” continues Flanagan. “It’s not a regular cinema but more of a club – with a proscenium stage, full bar and even a retro disco ball for the after-party. It’s going to be awesome. Our own ‘80s prom for adults.”
The party will also include celebrity raffles (with prizes donated by Arrow Video, Wild Eye Releasing, Susete Saraiva, Mull House Pinworks, Dead End Toyz, Will Turner, Hello Gorgeous Creations, Knee High Horror, The Horror Corner and Lunaris Records) as well as NOTD cosplay competitions and much more. The Q&A will be moderated by celebrated journalist Pat Jankiewicz (author of Just When You Thought it Was Safe – a JAWS Companion).
Guests are encouraged to dress accordingly, with prizes for best – or worst – ‘80s attire, with more ‘80s horror icons expected to be on hand to and party like it’s 1988. Tickets, available now at demons.brownpapertickets.com, are very limited, and once sold out online will be unavailable at the door. Doors open at 6:00pm at the Mayflower Club (11110 Victory Boulevard, N. Hollywood, CA 91606).
HHF is accepting film and script entries through FILM FREEWAY. Enter now as regular rates end on June 16th.
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FESTIVAL WEBSITE: https://www.
